You will need to pay the test fee when you book the time to sit your test ($59.90).

Visiting a driver licensing agency

The process of applying for a full licence is pretty similar to applying for a restricted licence. You'll need to complete a driver licence application form, take an eyesight test, have your photograph taken, provide a signature, and pay the relevant fees. You can download the application form or grab a copy when you visit the driver licensing agent.

You'll also need to present evidence of your identity. That means you'll need to bring your current NZ photographic restricted licence (or another acceptable form of ID if you’ve lost your photo licence and you’re waiting for a replacement).

To apply for a full licence costs $109.50 in total - $49.60 for the application fee and $59.90 for the test fee. You won’t have to pay the test fee again if you’ve already booked in and paid this.

What do I need to bring to my test?

Your driver licence. Remember that this must be current (the testing officer will hold onto your licence during your test). If you are sitting your test using a temporary (paper) driver licence you will also need to bring some form of photographic ID with you that allows the testing officer to confirm your identity.

Glasses or contact lenses if you need to wear them for driving.

The car you will be using for your test (see the section on checking your car below).

Also, make sure you have completed your restricted driver licence application before you sit your test. If you booked your test online or via the NZ Transport Agency call centre, you'll need to stop into a driver licensing agent on any day before your test to complete your application.

You might be able to do this on the day of your test, but you’ll need to check to see if your test site has a driver licensing agent.

If it does, you’ll also need to check what time the licensing agent opens on the day of your test. If your test is early in the morning and the agent is not open you will not be able to complete the driver application process. You'll need to allow at least 30 minutes for this before your test is due to start.

Checking your car before the full test

Remember all the pre-test checks the Testing Officer did prior to the restricted test?

The same checks will apply when you do your full test. So make sure you've got a full tank of petrol, that your car is road legal, and that your tyres, lights, mirrors and seat belts are working properly.